Bird Feeder Basics! It’s fall and time to get feeders ready for winter bird feeding. Feeding birds brings these spectacular animals into our backyards, allowing us to connect with them and helping us to appreciate nature. There is an endless array of feeders to choose from, but here are our five favorites: Tray feeders, hopper/house feeders, tube feeders, suet feeders, and specialty (like hummingbird) feeders. Where to buy these items? Check out our bird feed sponsors: Wild Birds Unlimited and Muskego Feed and Seed. They are generous partners of Wehr, and extremely knowledgeable on feeders! Steps to make your bird feeders a success: •Position feeders in a quiet place. •Install feeders 3 ft or less from windows, or at least 30 ft from a window to prevent window collisions. They can even be attached to a window frame. •Locate feeders within 10 ft. of cover like shrubs and brush piles. •Place hummingbird feeders in shaded areas protected from wind. •Feeders should be out of reach of deer. •Thoroughly clean feeders at least once a year. Wild birds generally don’t need the “free” food that we provide at bird feeders, in fact, studies show that the bulk of a bird’s diet comes from natural sources. But birds do need us to protect habitats. For very comprehensive information about how to make your yard more attractive to birds using native plants check out the book Birdscaping in the Midwest by Mariette Nowak (available in our Nature Store). 📸 Photo Credit: - Titmouse, Gino Salomone - Hummingbird, Laura Mishefske - Three Birds, Matt Milanowski

Did you know that Wehr has beaver? We are so happy that they call Wehr Nature Center home as it shows how our restoration efforts have paid off. Beavers are incredible animals and fall is the best time to spot them! Read more about our beaver in this season's newsletter: https://issuu.com/mkecoparks/docs/wehr_words_fall_2026 Thanks to Bruce Schultz for capturing these great photos 📸🦫

Did you know Wehr has a monthly program just for 4-6 year olds? Nature Nauts is a great way to get outside with your kiddo, explore a new topic, and have some fun! Turkey Tales is November's theme. This program is offered November 8th 1-2 PM and November 9th 9:30-10:30 AM. Sign up and see more information here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/nature-nauts-turkey-tales/

Rich Sterle is one of those people that brings humor, hard work, and joy to what he does. With 25 years of unwavering commitment, he's an inspiration to a lot of us. Rich is an integral part of building our boardwalk, and the friendships he has made along the way have become his favorite part of volunteering here. Thank you, Rich and Diane, for your time at Wehr. You are so appreciated. PS - Your Menards Rebate mastery is truly inspiring 😆

No caption needed. 📸Photo Credit: Michael Willkommen #milwaukeewaterfall #wehrnaturecenter #hikemilwaukee

Want to unplug, slow down, and get in tune with nature? Try out our Guided Forest Bathing program. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, a certified forest bathing guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen your relationship with the natural world. It's the perfect way to head into the colder months. See more information and reserve your spot - https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/guided-forest-bathing-12/

We are FALLing for these photos snapped by our talented Wehr Community! 📸Photo Credit: Bald Eagle & Cuckoo - Laura Mishefske Grasshopper - Ancka Ziolkowski Chipmunk - Jack Buchanan

One more day to see the Enchanted Forest! See the link in our bio to get tickets

The fall colors at Wehr are popping! Don’t forget to stop and look up once in a while (; The trails are open sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week!

It’s Halloween Haunts Week here at Wehr! Hike through the Enchanted Forest and meet the not-so-spooky creatures of the night as you walk amongst hundreds of glowing jack-o-lanterns. See more information in our bio!

🎃🌙 TICKETS ARE LIVE for Halloween Haunts at Wehr Nature Center! 🦋👻 ✨ Did you know this year’s Halloween Haunts theme is “Turn Off the Lights, Save the Night”? Join us for three magical nights in Wehr’s Enchanted Forest, where Halloween fun meets nighttime nature! Encounter a cackling witch, a talking owl, rapping arthropods, and CeCe the Cecropia Moth, who has a little trouble finding her way in the glow of outdoor lights. 🦉🕷️🎤 📖 NEW THIS YEAR! Before your hike, enjoy a Pre-Hike Story Stroll featuring "Millie Fleur Saves the Night!" 🌙 Through this year’s theme, we’re exploring how light pollution affects our wild neighbors, including moths, bats, and migratory birds. Even small changes, like turning off unnecessary outdoor lights at night, can help wildlife navigate the darkness. 🦋 CeCe the Cecropia Moth has a message to share: “Switch off outdoor lights at night when moths are on the wing, And help us find our way around while we do our nighttime thing!” 🎃 Don’t be a zombie — get your tickets early! 🎟️ Important Ticket Reminder! Ticket sales for each evening of Halloween Haunts close at 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. For example, if you plan to attend Thursday evening, you can purchase tickets online up until 3:00 p.m. Thursday. 🚫 No tickets will be sold at the event, so be sure to purchase yours before the 3:00 p.m. deadline! 🎃🌙 ⚠️ All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Please double-check your preferred date and time before purchasing. 🌟 Come for the Halloween magic, stay for the nighttime discoveries, and learn how YOU can help save the night! 🔗 Get your tickets here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/halloween-haunts/ #HalloweenHaunts #WehrNatureCenter #TurnOffTheLightsSaveTheNight #LightPollution #ExploreNature

Wehr Nature Center and it's non-profit supporter: Friends of Wehr are dedicated to making nature accessible for everyBODY all year round. One of the ways we do this is through our partnership with Access Ability Wisconsin. At Wehr Nature Center, you can borrow the Outdoor All Terrain Wheelchair for free (a refundable deposit is collected). This allows students, individuals, and groups to explore and experience the beauty of nature while being supported physically. See more information and other ways Wehr is improving accessibility through tactile maps, audio trail descriptions, adaptive programming and more here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/accessibility/

Thank you for an incredible Cider Sunday! Over 950 community members and friends came out and enjoyed the beautiful day at Wehr Nature Center. Every dollar used to buy a baked good, face painting, and pumpkin is put right back into the nature center. A huge thank you to our event Sponsors for making this event possible and for being supporters of accessibility, land restoration, and environmental education. Thank you @festfoods, @waterstonebank , @aonplc , @pbbs.equipment, @codeninjas, @culvers. Thank you to the 47 generous local businesses that donated to our raffle. All the funds raised over the day are being used to improve our accessibility, increase land restoration efforts, and provide education outdoors for schools in Milwaukee County. Thank you for celebrating 40 years alongside us! We hope to see you for next year's celebration 🍎

Take advantage of the fall weather at Wehr like our friend Frank the Fox Snake is! #fallhiking #wisconsinfall

Halloween at Wehr is a special time of year. Do something new this year and join us for a guided hike through the enchanted forest! Learn more & get tickets in our bio or here: wehrnaturecenter.com/event/halloween-haunts/

Ever wonder where the terms “lunatic” and “honeymoon” came from? Learn the facts and folklore about our closest celestial neighbor: the Moon! Explore Wehr Nature Center on a 1-hour hike under the “Beaver Moon”. Enjoy campfire treats following the hike. Fees: $12 per person; $10 for Milwaukee County residents; $7 for members of Friends of Wehr; $5 parking fee applies to non-members Registration is required two days before the program. Register here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/full-moon-walk-for-adults-2/

Hope you're hungry! Cider Sunday has three food trucks, churros, apple cider donuts, cookies, movie theater popcorn, fresh apple cider, and much much more. Bring your appetite this Sunday! A special thank you to our food vendors & donors. Get tickets and see more information through the link in our bio.

Species Spotlight: Turkey Tail Mushrooms! Turkey Tail mushrooms come in a dazzling array of colors. T. versicolor, whose scientific name translates simply to thin and many-colored, grows throughout the world and is prevalent in our northern forests, found commonly on the stumps and dead trunks of deciduous trees like oak, beech, maple, and birch. You may have seen these beautiful mushrooms and wondered what causes the different bands of color. Turkey Tail mushrooms contain various pigments, including phenols, which give them a range of colors, from browns to deep blues, blacks, and grays. These pigments protect the mushroom from UV radiation and environmental stresses. One of the most vivid colors that you’ll find on these mushrooms is a bright green. However, this green is usually a ring of green algae rather than an actual color of the mushroom.

A huge thank you to Mortenson for their incredible hard work, generous donation of time and supplies, and smiling faces! This is Mortenson’s third year giving back to Wehr Nature Center for their “Do Something Good” campaign, and we are so grateful. We couldn’t do these projects without you, and we look forward to a continued partnership.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the characters you'll be meeting at Halloween Haunts this year! Hear their tales as you walk through a jack-o-lantern lit forest. Halloween Haunts is Oct 15, 16, 17 from 6-8:30pm Get tickets today! Advanced tickets are required: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/halloween-haunts/

Pete's Pops will be at Cider Sunday this Sunday! Enjoy delicious fall flavors like Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Pie, Coffee 'N Donuts, and Salted Butterscotch. Plus, a few of our favorites like Fudgsicle and Raspberry Lemonade. See you at Cider Sunday for all sorts of fall fun like live music, cider tasting, kids activities, crafts, and more! See more information and get tickets at https://www.friendsofwehr.org/cidersunday or through our bio.

Who's ready to celebrate fall? Cider Sunday is the perfect way to celebrate the season. From apple cider tasting to pumpkin decorating. It is a one stop shop for fall fun! Whether you are bringing the whole family or having a date day, there is something for everyone. Date Day? - Enjoy live bluegrass music from @thebluegrassallstars - Enjoy tasting different ciders with @mkebeerbaronsrfc - Learn how to make Apple Cider Vinegar with @marmfarm_milwaukee - Eat delicious apple treats - Play the raffle and win prizes like a bird feeder from @wildbirdsunlimited - Hike the colorful, autumn breezed trails Family Day? - Get your face painted! - Decorate a pumpkin - Make an apple handprint craft - Control a robot - Enjoy appley treats - Get a photo with the Apple character - Walk the trails and read the Story Stroll - Participate in the Treasure Hunt & win a prize Or mix and match your own experience! See you Oct 4th for Cider Sunday. Get your tickets in our bio

It was a beautiful morning for a tree planting! This morning, we were joined by many families that sponsored and planted a tree in honor of their loved ones. We are so honored to root their legacy here at Wehr Nature Center. Thank you for your gift to nature and your hard work! Shoutout to our Teen Conservation Club for planting 7 trees for those that couldn’t make the planting today. May these Bur Oaks live 600 years!

Did you know Cider Sunday is celebrating is 40th anniversary this year? Check out some memories of Cider Sunday in the 80s! We hope to see you Oct 4th, 11:30-4:30 to celebrate. Don't forget - members get in for free. What to expect this year: 🍎Try your hand at the Cider Press 🍎Enjoy live music from The Bluegrass Allstars 🍎Amble the trails surrounded by vibrant autumn colors 🍎Explore a Story Stroll and join the Leaf Hunt & Hike 🍎Treat yourself to apple desserts, fresh apples, and seasonal goodies 🍎Learn to make Apple Cider Vinegar 🍎Watch a live magic show! 🍎Devour delicious offerings from local food vendors 🍎Sample homemade cider beer from the Milwaukee Beer Barons 🍎Snap a photo with our roaming apple character 🍎Enter to win exciting raffle baskets and try your luck in the 50/50 raffle 🍎Get your face painted 🍎Play Corn Hole 🍎Paint and take a pumpkin! See more information and get tickets here or in our bio: https://www.friendsofwehr.org/cidersunday

Did you know you can join Wehr Birders every Sunday 8-10am for a free bird walk around Wehr? No RSVP required! Check out some of the amazing birds spotted in September at Wehr by our community: Photo credit & description: - Nicole Steward: Ruby Throated Hummingbird dive-bombing Broad-Winged Hawk - Lala Karvonen-Wallich: Great Blue Heron with a fish for lunch - Paul Baum: Canada Warbler on a branch

One of our favorite weekends of the year is right around the corner! Halloween Haunts is a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the season. Be guided on a hike through the woods, the trails lined with flickering pumpkins. Meet characters like a talking owl, decomposers, and even a cackling witch! After your hike, enjoy numerous activities like meeting a live snake, enjoying concessions, creating a character mask, and more! Advanced tickets are required: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/halloween-ha unts/ or get the link in our bio! This event is perfect for kids 5-15, but adults love it too. See you there!

A huge thank you to Festival Foods for being a sponsor of our 40th Cider Sunday! Festival Foods is a Wisconsin Grocery Store that has a friendly atmosphere, great sales, and quality products. We are so grateful for our partnership with them. Thank you for supporting restoration, accessibility, and education by sponsoring our fundraising event! We hope to see you at Cider Sunday - October 4th 11:30-4:30pm right here at Wehr Nature Center.

Cider Sunday is October 4th - a fun fall family day! 🍎Try your hand at the Cider Press 🍎Enjoy live music from The Bluegrass Allstars 🍎Amble the trails surrounded by vibrant autumn colors 🍎Explore a Story Stroll and join the Leaf Hunt & Hike 🍎Treat yourself to apple desserts, fresh apples, and seasonal goodies (available for purchase) 🍎Devour delicious offerings from local food vendors 🍎Sample homemade cider beer from the Milwaukee Beer Barons 🍎Snap a photo with our roaming apple character 🍎Enter to win exciting raffle baskets and try your luck in the 50/50 raffle 🍎Enjoy face painting, corn hole, three different crafts, and activities for kids and families Tickets are $8 for non-members and FREE for members. Purchase them here or in the link in bio: https://secure.friendsofwehr.org/forms/cider-sunday-2026-registration

Enjoy Halloween in nature at Wehr’s Special 38th Edition of Halloween Haunts. Halloween Haunts combines the make-believe, spooky fun of Halloween with the beauty of nighttime nature to create a unique event for the whole family. For three nights each year, Wehr’s woodland is transformed into an Enchanted Forest complete with a cackling witch, a talking owl, and even some rapping arthropods. Visitors are amazed by the more than three hundred Jack-o-lanterns that light the path through the forest. The walk is just spooky enough to keep kids (and kids at heart) on their toes but, is designed to create chuckles and smiles, not nightmares. Tickets are LIVE! See more information and purchase them here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/halloween-haunts/

Skippers are interesting little critters because they are often considered an intermediate group between butterflies and moths, displaying characteristics of both. Skippers are named for their quick darting flight patterns, and they are mostly active during the day like other butterflies. They also exhibit moth-like qualities, such as a stout and furry body, and possess duller coloration. The little skipper in this photo is called a Peck's Skipper and is one of the easier grass skippers to identify given the distinct patterning on their wings. As the name implies the group of skippers called grass skippers eat grasses as caterpillars, but they also feed on sedges. Adult skippers like this Peck's Skipper will nectar from flowers. Peck's Skippers will feed from red clover, purple vetch, thistles, selfheal, New York ironweed, blue vervain, common milkweed, swamp milkweed, dogbane, and New Jersey tea. Don’t forget! Bug Day is September 13th, come learn, hold, and even eat bugs at Wehr.

It’s worth it to become a member! This fall, get the rest of 2026 for FREE when you get your 2027 membership. What does a membership do for you? - Free parking everyday ($5/day savings) - Discounts on all events (save $119 as a family of four!) - Discounts on all programs - 10% off in the nature store - Free entrance to Cider Sunday this year AND next year - Early registration to Halloween Haunts Plus, feel good that your membership helps support our restoration efforts, accessibility improvements, and the Nature Center in general. We are so grateful for our members. Become one today at friendsofwehr.org/membership or through the link in our bio

Thank you to Waterstone Bank for being a sponsor of Cider Sunday, and longtime supporter of Wehr Nature Center. We are so grateful to have a community partner like you. Looking for a local bank with community values? They're right here in Franklin.

Join us for the 40th Anniversary of Cider Sunday, our largest and most beloved fundraiser! This cherished fall tradition supports our mission to be a regional leader in providing access to nature for all. Proceeds directly benefit environmental education programs and land stewardship, helping preserve Wehr Nature Center as a natural gem in southeastern Wisconsin. What to expect: 🍎Try your hand at the Cider Press 🍎Enjoy live music from The Bluegrass Allstars 🍎Amble the trails surrounded by vibrant autumn colors 🍎Explore a Story Stroll and join the Leaf Hunt & Hike 🍎Treat yourself to apple desserts, fresh apples, and seasonal goodies 🍎Devour delicious offerings from local food vendors 🍎 Learn how to make apple cider vinegar 🍎 Watch a magic show 🍎Sample homemade cider beer from the Milwaukee Beer Barons 🍎Snap a photo with our roaming apple character 🍎Enter to win exciting raffle baskets and try your luck in the 50/50 raffle 🍎Get your face painted 🍎Paint and take a pumpkin Tickets: $8 for non-members FREE for members Kids under 5 - free Check out all the activities, become a member, or get tickets here: https://www.friendsofwehr.org/cidersunday or through the link in our bio!

Discover the fiction, folklore, and facts about bats, nature’s only truly flying mammal. Join us for some “bat math”, hold bat artifacts, and hear live bats on the walk. Learn how you can participate in Community Science projects to help your neighborhood bats. We will start inside and then use acoustic sensors during an hour-long “Bat Walk” through Whitnall Park. Fee: $12 per person; $10 for Milwaukee County residents; $7 for Friends of Wehr (FOW) members; $5 parking fee applies for non-FOW members. Register at https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/bat-night-for-adults-3/

Plant an Oak Tree at Wehr! Honor a loved one with an incredible gift to nature: a Bur Oak! These trees are incredibly resilient and home to many species. They are vital to the restoration of our Oak Savanna. Purchase a tree, come and plant it with us September 26th, and enjoy a complimentary coffee from @blumcoffeegarden See more information and claim your tree before they sell out: https://www.friendsofwehr.org/treeandshrubsponsorship or through the link in our bio

🎃 Get Involved! Help us carve the pumpkins that line our trails for Halloween Haunts. Bring your whole family, company, or just yourself! Date: Oct 14 Times: 10-12, 1-3, or all day 10-3 (includes lunch) RSVP by sending an email to Sophia.detweiler@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Annual Tree Sponsorship! This year: Honor with an Oak. This year marks a special milestone, it will be the final year of our Memorial Tree Planting Program in our oak savanna restoration area. If you've ever considered planting a tree in honor or memory of a loved one, this is your last opportunity to participate in this meaningful tradition. This year's planting event will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Participants who sponsor a tree are invited to help plant it during one of three half-hour planting sessions. Each session is limited to five planting spots, so advance registration is required. See more information here: https://www.friendsofwehr.org/treeandshrubsponsorship Small for $150.00 Large for $375.00. Bur Oaks are a long-lived native species that provide exceptional habitat and food for countless wildlife species while becoming a legacy for generations to come. Join us for this special final planting event and help leave a lasting impact on Wehr Nature Center while honoring someone special.

🍁🐞🦫MEMBERSHIP DEAL🔍🐛🦌 Become a member today, and get 4 months FREE! Get the rest of 2026 and ALL of 2027 when you become a member in September. What’s this include? - free parking everyday - discounts on all programs - free entrance to Cider Sunday 2026 - discounts on events - 10% off in the nature store - early registration for Halloween Becoming a member is a great way to support Wehr Nature Center and benefit your family at the same time. Already one? Consider gifting this deal to a friend! Become one today: friendsofwehr.org/membership, in our bio, or in person at the center! We are so grateful for our members. Thank you.

Root your family's legacy at Wehr! Purchase and plant a Bur Oak Tree in Wehr Nature Center's Oak Savanna. Bur Oak trees are a symbol of resilience: Bur Oaks are a vital native tree that provides habitat to many critters from insects to songbirds. They are an ecosystem builder and have many incredible adaptions to have long lives like fire resistance and drought tolerance. They are one of the single most influential species in the natural world! Plant a family tree that can be visited for years to come by critters and family alike. See more information and purchase your family's tree here: https://www.friendsofwehr.org/treeandshrubsponsorship or via the link in our bio! Limited oaks available. Don't want to tree but want to help support this project? Donate the cost of care! Click the link for more information.

HOP over to Wehr today for FREE parking! Every last Thursday of the month at Wehr, you can skip the $5 parking fee and explore for free thanks to Milwaukee County Parks. Skip the fee every day when you become a member! Starting September 1st, get the rest of 2026 FREE when you sign up for 2027: friendsofwehr.org/membership See you on the trails 🐸 Photo Credit 📸 Ancka Ziolkowski (duckweed frog), Tom Orlovsky (open mouth frog), Laura Mishefske (muddy frog) Image description: Green Frog close-up covered in Duck Weed as he is perched on a log in Mallard Lake. Second photo has a smiling frog with an open mouth as he sits in water next to a lily pad. Third photo has a frog with a bright green chin, brown body, and black spots. He can be seen in the mud with his nose above the water level.

POV you celebrate fall like it’s the 90s 🍎 Cider Sunday is celebrating its 40th year this year! Join us in using the cider press, participate in the raffle, get your face painted, hike beautiful trails, play games, decorate pumpkins, enjoy delicious desserts and so much more! See you October 4th, 11:30-4:30pm | members get in for free! See more information and get tickets: friendsofwehr.org/cidersunday

Meet the Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar! Bug Day is September 13th, see crawlies just like this at Wehr Nature Center. Did you know that the Giant Swallowtail is our largest species of butterfly in North America? Their wingspan can range from 4 - 6¼ inches (8.6 - 14 cm), with females being larger than the males. Their caterpillars are often called Orange Dogs because their host plants are members of the citrus family. We do have one member of the citrus family that Giant Swallowtail caterpillars love to feast on and that is Prickly Ash. Wehr Nature Center is lucky to have a lot of Prickly Ash on the property which means we have the added benefit of providing the perfect breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Giant Swallowtail Caterpillars. Female Giant swallowtails lay single eggs on host leaves and twigs of the Prickly Ash. Caterpillars resemble bird droppings, which is the perfect disguise because who would want to eat bird droppings? Image description: Large white and brown caterpillar on a stick with an image of its adult Yellow and black butterfly on a purple coneflower.

Welcome back to another episode of Access at Wehr: today we are talking about Sensory Bags! Check them out for free at the front desk during your next visit. Video description: Carly touches items that come with the sensory bag, she puts on the black headphones that fit snuggly and block out sound: she gives a thumbs up as the screen says “great for events”, she moves the fidgets in her hands to demonstrate that they move back and forth and spin. Carly also points to different emotions on the cue card that features emotions like Sad/Confused/Tired that visitors can use for communication.

"Interning at Wehr Nature Center has given me the opportunity to explore many different careers in conservation! Working under Jeff Veglahn, I've gotten to hone my land stewardship skills and see what managing Wisconsin natural areas entails. I've also had the chance to guide education programs on the outdoors, working mainly with young children to provide them with positive experiences in nature!" We are so lucky to have had Tarynn intern with us for the summer. Help support experiences like this by donating: friendsofwehr.org/donate

Mark your calendars! Join us for the 40th Anniversary of Cider Sunday, our biggest FUNdraiser of the year! For four decades, this beloved fall tradition has brought our community together to celebrate nature, the season, and the nature center. Spend the day enjoying fresh apple treats, live music, face painting, games, unique crafts, and so much more. Every ticket helps support environmental education, accessible outdoor experiences, and the care of the beautiful trails and habitats you love. Friends of Wehr members receive FREE admission! Not a member? It is the perfect time to join get admission to Cider Sunday for your whole family this year and next year for FREE. Get your tickets and learn more at friendsofwehr.org/cidersunday or through the link in our bio. We can't wait to celebrate 40 years with you!

We are one week away from Brews and Botany: a fun evening of tasting local brews, learning about how plants influence your favorite drinks, and spending an evening in nature! Sipping, learning, and hiking? Those are our favorite things. August 22nd | 4-6pm There's still time to get tickets! Link in bio or click it here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/brews-and-botany/ See you there! Photo description: a hand holding a cup of cold brew coffee to taste test, a couple and a group of friends enjoying the evening, and a group on the trail for the guided botany walk.

Meet the American Nursery Web Spider! Have you ever spotted a big, velvety spider hanging out in the tall grasses or shrubs at Wehr? You may have met an American Nursery Web Spider (Pisaurina mira)! These handsome spiders are often mistaken for wolf spiders, but there’s an easy way to tell them apart: take a peek at their eyes! 👀 Their size and arrangement are different. Despite their name, nursery web spiders don't spin webs to catch their meals. Instead, they are patient hunters, either wandering through vegetation looking for insects or sitting perfectly still and waiting for prey to come within reach. Their name comes from the incredible care females provide for their young. Mom carries her egg sac around in her jaws until the eggs are ready to hatch. Then, she builds a protective nursery web around the sac and guards her spiderlings until they are ready to venture out on their own. And don't worry if you see one—while they do have venom to subdue their insect prey, they are not dangerous to people or pets. So, the next time you encounter a large spider in the vegetation, take a closer look. You might just have found one of Wehr's fascinating nursery web spiders! 🕷️ Image description: A close-up photograph of a brown nursery web spider resting on the soft pink petals of a purple coneflower. Its long, slender legs stretch across the flower, while delicate strands of silk webbing cover the flower's spiky orange-brown center. The background is softly blurred with hints of green, yellow, and pink, drawing attention to the spider and flower. The Wehr Nature Center logo appears in the bottom left corner.

Bug Day is one month away! 🐞🐛🐜🦟🪲 See more information & get tickets in bio What to expect: 🦗bug cafe, eat a bug in a treat! 📖story stroll, read a book as you hike 🕷️hold a bug, face your fears 📥catch a bug, use a net in the pond 🔍look up close, see bugs under a microscope ⁉️ask an entomologist all your questions ➕a lot more!

Summer through the lens of our community! We are so thankful to have such talented visitors, members, and friends. Photo Credit: The Great Blue Heron - Paul Baum Two Striped Grasshopper - Ancka Ziolkowski Jumping Spider - Dave Eberhardy Queen of the Prairie & Monarch Caterpillar - Laura Mishefske

Meet Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) 💜 There’s something magical about Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) swaying in the summer breeze, its bright purple, thimble-shaped flower heads dancing atop delicate stems. But this beautiful Wisconsin native is more than just a pretty face! Its flowers are a favorite of bees and other pollinators, including bumble bees, leafcutter bees, and honey bees. It's also an important food source for the Endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and serves as a host plant for several butterflies. Like other legumes, Purple Prairie Clover partners with beneficial soil bacteria to help fix nitrogen, enriching the soil naturally. Its deep taproot also helps the plant withstand heat and drought. A prairie staple, this tough perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and is right at home in prairies, savannas, and native gardens. Photo is of a Red-belted Bumble Bee on Purple Prairie Clover The image depicts a close-up view of a vibrant natural scene featuring blooming plants and a bee. In the foreground, a fuzzy bee is perched on a tall, spiky flower stalk that is predominantly violet with small, tubular blooms clustered near the top. The bee has a distinctive striped body, showcasing shades of brown and yellow, with visible pollen sacs. Surrounding the central flower are several other stalks of the same plant, also adorned with purple flowers and gray, textured spikes. The background consists of soft green grasses and foliage, providing a blurred contrast that accentuates the vivid colors of the flowers and the bee. The composition emphasizes the richness of biodiversity and the pollination process

Summer Camp released a reared monarch! 🐛👋🪻 Monarch Watch advises that monarchs should be reared outdoors to ensure larger, stronger monarchs that can make the migration all the way to Mexico! The camp kids were able to witness the full lifecycle of the monarch butterflies, learn all about their importance, and wave goodbye and good luck 🍀👋 Video description- a group of students and Naturalist Bev release a monarch butterfly out of a netted home. The students wave and smile as the monarch flies away. The video also shows the monarch landed on a purple flower already happy in its environment.

School is right around the corner! Did you know that without our volunteers, we couldn't do the school programs we do?! Volunteers are a vital piece of Wehr, and one of the biggest roles they play is teaching! Whether you are a retired teacher, scientist, or enthusiastic nature-lover, we are looking for teaching volunteers to add to our team. You don't have to know it all, you just have to be willing to learn it alongside the little ones. Learn more at one of our next Open House Orientations: August 13th 11-12:30pm OR September 2nd 5-6:30pm. Have questions? Email Sophie: sophia.detweiler@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Another episode of Access at Wehr! This week, we are showcasing the Parabolic Ear. This tool helps to magnify the sounds of nature by pointing the parabola outwards and using the headphones. This is a great trail tool if you want to better your birding or want to explore nature with the volume turned up. Check this out for free at the front desk on your next visit. Video description- Naturalist Holly, stands with the parabolic ear (a pair of headphones connected to a device similar to a megaphone 📢). She demonstrates how to pull the trigger, put the headphones on, and point the cone shape out into nature. She is able to then identify a purple Martin and rough-winged swallow on the bird blind by ear. The words “check it out for free at the front desk. Happy exploring” pop up at the end

POV: Your perfect summer evening includes local brews, wildflowers, and fresh air. Discover the amazing plants that make your favorite drinks and taste test something new! Aug 22nd from 4-6pm See more information & get your tickets in the link on our bio!

Meet the Giant Leopard Moth! These moths are a striking black and white, but they also sport a metallic blue on their legs and abdomen along with a bit of orange. Aren't they so beautiful?! See creatures just like this at Bug Day September 13th at Wehr Nature Center! Ohio blogger Jim McCormac notes that, counterintuitively, this brilliant moth can be difficult to see on a tree trunk, its shape broken up by the pattern of dots and eyes. It has been theorized that the bold, black and white wings may be a kind of aposematic (warning) coloration because the moths do have a chemical defense — when alarmed, they exude drops of bad-tasting, yellow liquid from their thorax. The moths will flip their wings up and display their technicolor body, possibly a behavioral defense to scare predators.

Only one week until our partnership game with the Milkmen! Don't miss your chance to enjoy a fun night at the ballpark while making a difference. Grab your tickets today, cheer on the Milkmen, enjoy a hot dog, and help support vital restoration efforts with every ticket purchased. There’s still time to get tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Friendsofwehr2026 We can't wait to see you there!

Bug Day is right around the corner: September 13th! Meet amazing bugs at the Live Insect Zoo, play games at Larvae Land, Go on an exploration hike with a net, and even eat a bug if you're feeling brave. Bug day is one of our favorite days of the year, and we hope to see you there! 🐝🐞🦋 Bugs Rule! See more information and register through the link in our bio. photo credit: Jim Kurovsky

Sunday July 26th at Wehr Nature Center, we gathered to celebrate something far greater than a ribbon cutting (although that was pretty great, too!). At our first annual ADA Anniversary Celebration, we were honored to welcome city officials, community members, advocates, and partners who share a vision of a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience the healing, joy, and wonder of nature. Together, we celebrated the newest addition to our All Abilities Loop with a ribbon cutting that symbolizes so much more than a new section of trail. It represents progress, belonging, and our belief that the outdoors should be a place where every person can explore, connect, and experience the natural world. This project, which began in 2002, reflects Wehr’s long-standing commitment to creating a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds and abilities. As we look forward to the completion of the All Abilities Loop trail, we are grateful to everyone who has helped bring this vision to life. A special thank you to our Director, Carly Hintz, for advocating for progress and helping make this vision a reality, and to our Park Naturalist, Emily Brown, for her unwavering commitment to making adaptive programming a lasting part of Wehr. We are also incredibly grateful to our amazing donors, past and present, whose generosity has made strides in accessibility possible; our dedicated volunteers who have spent countless hours building the boardwalk; the Friends of Wehr Board; and our former Director, Deb McRae, whose vision helped pave the way for this work. Because of all of you, and the dedication of the entire Wehr staff, more people can discover the joy, peace, healing, and sense of belonging that nature offers. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this important milestone and to the many partners, supporters, advocates, donors, volunteers, and community members who continue to help turn this vision into reality. We can’t wait to welcome you to the completed All Abilities Loop!

Have you visited Wehr Nature Center in Franklin Wisconsin? It’s our happy place.

Happy Parent Appreciation Day! Today we are celebrating some of the hardest working parents around: our wild neighbors. Check out some of the cutest families that call Wehr Nature Center home! Photo credit: - Mama & Fawn, Blair Michael - Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Paul Baum - Deer Family of 3, Elijah Clark - Woodchucks, Laura Mishefske (2023) - Ducklings Swimming with Mom, Geralynn Nelson-Steyn - Ducklings on a log, Jucel Dywer

Welcome to another episode of Access at Wehr, a series where we show you FREE trail tools you can borrow at Wehr Nature Center. Today’s features Hiking Poles! Check them out and other adaptive equipment at our All Abilities Open House July 26th 11-2pm here at Wehr Nature Center! Video description: this video show cases someone walking the trail while using the hiking poles, a close up of the hiking poles features like the wrist strap at the top and the tip at the bottom. It also features someone unlocking and making the poles longer to adjust them to their height, and another video of the trail user utilizing the equipment in each hand.

Meet the Red Spotted Purple. The Red-spotted Purple is a common butterfly in the southern half of Wisconsin. Throughout central Wisconsin, this subspecies and the White Admiral are both present, and sometimes they hybridize. The offspring can have characteristics anywhere between the two subspecies. This butterfly is often found taking nutrients from gravel roads, roadsides, or scat. Even the caterpillars of the red-spotted purples are amazing mimics. They look like bird poop! Swallowtail caterpillars will also often look like bird droppings when they are young, but swallowtail caterpillars lose this characteristic as they get older. However, red-spotted purple caterpillars always look like bird droppings. In much of their range, their caterpillars feed on wild black cherries and other members of the rose family. They are also sometimes found on willows, poplars, cottonwoods, aspens, viburnums, and a few other trees. (The white admiral caterpillars primarily feed on willows, poplars, cottonwoods, and related plants.) Photo is of a butterfly with dark brown wings and iridescent blue edges rests on green leaves amidst blurred foliage.

Over the past few months we have welcomed some incredible new people to our Friends of Wehr Board of Directors! Join us in welcoming these fantastic new faces each bringing their valuable and unique experiences and expertise to our team. "The Friends of Wehr Board of Directors is a volunteer group supporting Wehr Nature Center through mission-based leadership, strategic governance, fundraising, and fiduciary oversight to ensure organizational stability. I am very honored to introduce our new Friends of Wehr board members. Together, they bring a diverse set of skills and perspectives that will help support the growth and future of Wehr Nature Center. For more information about Friends of Wehr board members, visit: www.friendsofwehr.org/about#BoardofDirectors" - President Cindy Lorentzen

We can’t think of a better way to enjoy baseball than with a dollar dog in one hand and our 50/50 raffle ticket going to restoration efforts in the other! Get tickets through the link in our bio

Free ways to explore Wehr Nature Center before July ends! July 18 | 10:00 AM-12:30 PM NEW! Nature Journal Club Whether you're a seasoned nature journaler or just curious to give it a try, explore the wonders of nature right here in Milwaukee with a supportive group. Email MKEnaturejournal@gmail.com to RSVP Every Sunday | 8:00-10:00 AM Wehr Birders Birders of all experience levels are welcome! Meet in front of the Visitor Center and enjoy a guided walk while discovering the beauty of Wehr's trails. Every Wednesday | 10:30-11:30 AM Hike for Health Explore Wehr's woodland, wetland, oak savanna, and prairie trails while enjoying fresh air, exercise, and great company. July 25 | 3:00-4:00 PM Operation Recon Nature for Veterans Veterans from all service branches and their families are invited to connect with nature, build camaraderie, and experience the changing seasons together. Email holly.walz@milwaukeecountywi.gov to RSVP July 26 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM All Abilities Open House Celebrate accessibility in the outdoors with adaptive equipment demonstrations, mini yoga sessions, guided hikes, community partners, and free snacks! Everyone is welcome. See more information via our linktree in bio! Accessible options are available for all programs. Registration is appreciated. Learn more or register at www.wehrnaturecenter.com or call (414) 425-8550.

One week after Midsummer's Night Market, and we are still smiling. We had a record-breaking year with more than 670 tickets sold! Thank you for contributing to Wehr's mission: to inspire current and future generations to explore and value the natural world. We hope you found a trinket or two to take home from the incredible makers, ate something yummy from the food trucks, and enjoyed your two free beverages. See you next year!

How you'll find me during my 30 minute lunch break at Wehr Nature Center.

Today’s creature feature is the dragonfly. Dragonflies were some of the first winged insects to evolve, some 300 million years ago. Modern dragonflies have wingspans of only two to five inches, but fossil dragonflies have been found with wingspans of up to two feet. Dragonflies have complicated neck muscles which allow them to tilt their head sideways 180 degrees, back 70 degrees and down 40 degrees. Dragonflies can hover in midair and then rapidly accelerate. One article suggests dragonflies are the most effective predators in the animal world – 95% success rate which is truly amazing. Photo is of a Halloween Pennant taken in our Oak Savanna. Photo & copy credit to naturalist Brooke Gilley.

We are so excited to be a partner for this FREE event at Wehr Nature Center. (We heard the first 50 people get a free Pete's Pop) ☺️ The event will showcase some of the incredible adaptive equipment available at Wehr Nature Center, including outdoor all-terrain wheelchairs, tactile maps, sensory bags, and much more. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of free activities, such as accessible hikes, adaptive yoga, and opportunities to connect with other local organizations dedicated to accessibility. All activities are free and open to everyone.

Access at Wehr Episode 2: tactile mapping and audio tools. We are so excited to work in partnership with ABLE (Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement) to make this dream of having tactile mapping a reality. Use this for free at Wehrnaturecenter.com/accessility or ask the front desk when you arrive! Video description: these visuals contain people enjoying the trails, people using the tactile mapping, ABLE’s bag available for pick up, the website, and nature moments including a turkey on the bird feeder and the waterfall. #adaptiveequipment #braille #audiodescriptions #natureisforeverybody

June Volunteer Spotlight: Judy! Judy is the easiest person to celebrate. We are so beyond thankful for the sunshine she brings to the center. We asked Judy, “Why Wehr?” & here’s what she said: “I have volunteered at Wehr almost as long as I’ve lived in Milwaukee - 27 years. I began after noticing a man leading children on a hike and pointing out to them the animals and plants they saw. It looked like he and the kids were having fun, and I said to myself,” hey, I could do that.” During my time at Wehr, I’ve made good friends, friends I walk with, eat lunch with, play cribbage with and “puzzle” with. We share the same values, that the natural world is precious and needs to be tended, by us and the generations that follow. When life is challenging, I can walk in the door and be greeted with a hug by a staff member. I recall crying with naturalist, Bev when the news became overwhelming, such as the Sandy Hook school shooting, and when Howard insisted that Frank and I apply for the financial aid the VA PACT ACT made available to veterans harmed by Agent Orange. And finally, it’s the kids who keep me coming back It’s a joy and a wonder to see the world through their eyes. I remember the middle school boy who walked into the woods with me and stopped in wonder “Who planted all these trees?” he asked. They get excited when they see a deer, and, they get excited when they see an ant. Wehr has enriched my life beyond measure, and I’m glad I can still give back in some small way.” Hear from our staff about Judy: “Judy Brooks-Levar is always ready to pitch in and keeps us laughing with her stories and insight! We wouldn’t be as successful without teaching volunteers like Miss Judy. Thank you!” “Judy brightens my day every time I see her. We are so lucky to have her on our volunteer team” Thank you Judy!

Some of our favorite bricks from around Wehr Nature Center. Not only is every brick a donation to better our stewardship, education, and accessibility, but it is also a great way to spread your favorite words to other nature-lovers. These ones caught our eye today, do you have a favorite? Interested in a brick of your own? See this link: friendsofwehr.org/honorary-memorial-gifts

It's almost time for Midsummer's Night Market! It isn't too late to get tickets for one of our favorite nights of the year. Bring a friend, a date, or just come solo. Shop from over 30 local vendors, food trucks (new this year!), sip on two beverages (included with your ticket), and be surrounded by nature. See you there July 7th 5-8pm Tickets available here: https://www.friendsofwehr.org/midsummersnightmarket

Access at Wehr: Trail Tools! Meet the Seat Cane - a tool that allows recharging on the trail anytime you need it. Check this out for FREE by visiting the Wehr Nature Center front desk any day of the week 8:30-4:30pm. Test out all sorts of adaptive equipment at the All Abilities Open House July 26th 11-2pm. #Natureisforeverybody #allabilities #adaptiveequipment

Join us July 26th at Wehr Nature Center for the All Abilities Open House, a FREE event for the whole family. Come try out adaptive yoga, join an accessible hike, or check out the adaptive equipment demos. EveryBODY deserves to be in nature. See more information here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/all-abilities-open-house-2/ Shoutout to the event partners: Milwaukee County Office of Persons with Disabilities Access Ability Wisconsin Franklin Public Health Department Franklin Public Library Friends of Wehr

Nine more sleeps until the Midsummer's Night Market! We can't decide if we are more excited for the two free drinks, the local food truck options, or the 30 local art vendors ... what about you? Tickets available via the link in bio 🔗 Special shoutout to our event sponsors: Avenue Liquor and Krause Funeral Home #milwaukeenightmarket #milwaukee #nature #wehrnaturecenter

The Teen Conservation Club meeting this afternoon focused on Invasive Species! A huge shoutout to The Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas team for coming out and giving such an informative and hands-on experience. We removed four big bags of Garlic Mustard and Dames Rocket from our Maple Woods, learned how to identify other invasives, and got to enjoy the wonderful weather together. Thank you, teens, for your service today! Interested in joining the Teen Conservation Club? It is for teens 13-17 interested in the environment. It's a great resume builder filled with experiences that are different each month. Next month's topic: Wetland Restoration! See more information here: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/teen-conservation-club-6/

Trails are open sunrise to sunset every day of the year. #pocketofpeace #milwaukeeoutdoors

Join our E-newsletter and never miss out on Nature Center opportunities. From workshops to events to discounts, the monthly newsletter email has it all. Stay in the loop - for free! Click here to subscribe or join via the link in our bio: https://tr.ee/ZH-qOvfO2W #wehrnaturecenter #newsletter #naturenews

Some of our favorite nature snaps from our community this month! 📸 Turkey - Paul Baum Indigo Bunting - Laura Mishefske Fawn - Chris Geraci Great Spangled Fritillary - Ancka Ziolkowski Green Frog - Adam Ryan Thank you all for taking great photos, staying on trail, and contributing to the community love for the critters that call Wehr home!

One of the brightest flashes of summer at Wehr Nature Center is the vibrant Baltimore oriole! These striking orange & black birds migrate all the way from Central and South America to breed here in Wisconsin each spring. They help support healthy ecosystems by feeding on insects, pollinating flowers, and dispersing seeds. Have you spotted one on our trails or by our feeders yet? Ways to up your birding game: - Help us fill our oriole feeders by donating here: friendsofwehr.org/donate - Join our free birding club Sunday mornings 8-10am - Watch our LIVE bird cam on youtube - link on our website Photo credit: Laura Mischefske

Check out more of the talented & creative vendors that will be at Wehr Nature Center July 7th for our annual Night Market! Be sure to stop by every booth, sip on a beverage (or two) that are free with your ticket purchase, participate in the raffle, and enjoy a gorgeous evening out in the park. Get tickets: friendsofwehr.org/midsummersnightmarket or in the link in our bio! #shoplocal #makersmarket #milwaukeenightmarket #midsummersnightmarket

In addition to supporting the nature center, your attendance to Midsummer’s Night Market also supports numerous local makers! We are thrilled that these creative and talented businesses are joining us July 7th! Be sure to stop by every booth, sip on a beverage (or two) that are free with your ticket purchase, and enjoy a gorgeous evening out in the park. Get tickets: friendsofwehr.org/midsummersnightmarket #shoplocal #makersmarket #milwaukeenightmarket #midsummersnightmarket

Reptile Day last weekend was a slithering success! Over 900 attendees made this a record year for Wehr Nature Center. Thank you to everyone who came, ate a popsicle, shared a post, or touched a snake. See you next year 🐍🐢🐸 Special shoutout to WPS Reptiles and Badgerland Reptile Rescue! Hello to our 31 new Friends of Wehr Members who joined us at Reptile Day. Enjoy your free daily parking, discounts on future programs & events, and 10% off in the nature store! Not a member but want to be? Sign up today: friendsofwehr.org/membership

Birds are a huge part of our nature preserve, and we love seeing them come to our feeders! Help us fill our feeders by donating to Friends of Wehr today. Whether you can fill one feeder for $10, one week of food for $45, or a month for $180, every dollar is appreciated. Donate here: friendsofwehr.org/donate Want to see our bird feeders from home? Check out our live cam: https://www.youtube.com/live/RHuO4rBIw54?si=ZTBZb1VpZYlaUOqz

Incoming: Dreamy Summer Night Bring your bestie to the Midsummer’s Night Market at Wehr July 7th! Two beverages are included with your ticket price (only $5 for members!), so you can sip while you shop. Discover over 30 local vendors and makers exclusively chosen for this event. From jewelry and clothing to desserts and yard art, there is something for everyone. Get tickets: friendsofwehr.org/midsummersnightmarket #shoplocal #midsummer #nightmarket #wehrnaturecenter #friendsofwehr

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Summer Interns! Friends of Wehr is proud to be the sponsor of these annual internship experiences for college students interested in Environmental Education and Land Stewardship. We are so excited to welcome Tarynn and Halia to the team for the summer.

Our Nature Store is filled with all sorts of local, handmade goods, cozy park-themed clothes, and books for every naturalist. Stop by any day, the store is open 7 days a week 10-2pm. All proceeds go right back into Friends of Wehr to support our mission of increasing accessible trails, programs, and preserving natural spaces. Bonus! Friends of Wehr Members get 10% off in the store all-year-long. Not a member? Join today: friendsofwehr.org/membership Interested in volunteering in the store? Apply today! friendsofwehr.org/volunteer #shoplocal #fundraiser #nonprofit #visitmilwaukee #wehrnaturecenter #birding #handmade

Congratulations to the 2026 Debra McRae Scholarship Recipients! These students were chosen due to their exemplary high school performance, community service work, and future pursuits of environmental science in college. The Debra McRae Scholarship Fund was created to honor Debra McRae, Wehr’s third director pictured here, and her love of teaching the next generation to protect the earth and improve our natural environment. After careful consideration of all applicants, we are excited to announce these three as the awardees. Special thank you to all the donors that make this annual scholarship possible. Interested in donating to next year's recipients? See more here: https://www.friendsofwehr.org/debra-mcrae-scholarship-fund-for-environmental-studies

See you this Sunday at Wehr Nature Center for Reptile Day 🐍🐢🦎🐸 tickets available in link in bio

ONE DAY ONLY! Come try Pete's Pops Reptile Day Edition at Wehr Nature Center June 7th 🌿 Lizard Breath - Creamy Mint 🍫 Mud Pop - Fudgsicle 🐛 Bug Juice - Pistachio These limited-edition flavors are only available during Reptile Day, so don't miss your chance to taste them before they slither away! All proceeds benefit our Friends of Wehr Mission. Get your tickets and learn more: https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/reptile-day/ #ReptileDay #WehrNatureCenter #PetesPops #LimitedEditionFlavors #FamilyFun

It isn’t too late to get tickets to Reptile Day this weekend! See dozens of scaly species, enjoy a guided hike to look for turtles and listen for frogs, and play games. Support Friends of Wehr by purchasing concession items, getting a membership, or shopping at the nature store! Get tickets here or link in bio! https://www.wehrnaturecenter.com/event/reptile-day/ We HOP to see you there! #reptileday #wehrnaturecenter #reptilesarecool #frogs #snakes

Happy Pride Month from Wehr Nature Center 🏳️‍🌈

Happy June 🌈📷 Celebrate with us by capturing the rainbow within nature! Take photos of each color of the rainbow, tag us @friendsofwehr, and use the hashtag #friendsofwehrrainbowcontest for your chance to win a FREE family membership! This membership gets you free parking all-year-long (worth $5 a day!), discounts for the whole family on programming, free entrance to Cider Sunday, and more! The winner will be announced at the end of June. You must be following @friendsofwehr on Facebook/Instagram to win. #pridemonth #friendsofwehrrainbowcontest #nature #rainbow #wehrnaturecenter

We had a fantastic first day of the Native Plant Sale, we couldn’t have asked for better weather or better visitors. Thank you to everyone supporting fundraisers like this whether you are a donor, volunteer, or plant buyer - we appreciate you so deeply. See you tomorrow 10am until we sell out 👏🌻❤️ Special thank you to Wild Ones for sponsoring this event 🌱🌼